STRANGE INTERLUDE

wanted to say is, now he's dead, I hope you'll get married and
I hope you'll be as happy as you both deserve -

{Here he breaks down, kissing her and then breaking
away.)

I've got to say good-bye - got to fly back before dark -
Madeline's waiting.

(He takes Dartell's hand and shakes it again. They
have both been staring at him stupidly!)

Good-bye, Darrell! Good luck!

DARRELL

(Thinking sufferingly.)

Why does he keep on calling me Darrell? . . . he's my
boy. . . I'm his father ... I've got to make him realhe I'm
his father! . . .

(Holding Gordon's hand,)

Listen, son. It's my turn. I've got to tell you something-

NINA

(Thinking torturedly.)

Oh, he mustn't! ... I feel he mustn't! * *.
(Sharply.)

Ned! First, let me ask Gordon a question.

(Then looking her son in the eyes, slowly and impres-
sively.)

Do you think I was ever unfaithful to your father, Gordon?

GORDON

(Startled, stares at her - shocked and horrified - then
suddenly he blurts out indignantly.)

Mother, what do you think I am — as rotten-minded as
that!

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